1. Rework

the Dolly Parton Challenge

[7Feb2020] The subject chosen for C&N Assignment 1 was similarly framed shots of a Rodin sculpture and my own body in 6×7 format, printed in pairs and in black and white. Unexpectedly, although I had strayed rather from the brief, no rework was imposed. I had a rework plan ready and will shoot it anyway if time allows.

Dolly Parton Challenge
© Parton et al.

The idea is to shoot the Dolly Parton Challenge. I am not a user of social media and so my understanding of the categories is only approximate. 

LinkedIn is a work-related site so I’ll wear a suit.

Eberstadt in YSL © Eberstadt

Tinder is a dating site and I intend to wear a frock. Regular readers may be aware of a decades-long obsession of mine (now somewhat abated) with Mondrian [i]. Amongst the many Mondrian-based artefacts I have collected over the years is a copy YSL dress. I also have a photograph by Frederick Eberstadt of a real YSL dress being worn (I think) by Isabel Eberstadt. I aim to recreate that image as a self portrait (if I can get into the dress with any remaining vestige of dignity – I have never tried it on and it has been in storage for several years).

I don’t know the ostensible purposes of Facebook and Instagram but will provide two other, notably different self images.


[8Feb] LinkedIn done today. A choice of two.

Dolly Parton Challenge, LinkedIn, 8th February 2020

Kraftwerk, The Times

[17Feb] Two done today. The frock is for Tinder, the Kraftwerk tribute for one of the remaining two.  The Kraftwerk Man-Machine image (fig. D1) was prompted by a Times article [ii] on devotion to the band.
The Mondrian frock is explained above.

1. after Kraftwerk Man-Machine for Facebook or Instagram
2-3. after Eberstadt for Tinder
4. Combined
all 17th February 2020
Tony Blair by Alastair Adams

And I’ve had an idea for the fourth image. The Independent reported in 2013 [iii] on a portrait of Tony Blair by Alastair Adams. I’ll take something similar and use the Photoshop oil painting filter with a heavy hand.

I’ll use the Kraftwerk image for Instagram, bottom left, so that I’m facing in and that means me-as-Blair will be Facebook, top right.

And I’m inclined towards B&W for the Mondrian.


[22Feb] Blair for Facebook.

My teeth do not work the same way as Blair’s — I can do teeth with grimace or no teeth and relaxed: you get the wild staring eyes either way. I had run a second shoot an hour later having realised that.

1. after Adams’ Blair for Facebook
2. Dolly Parton Challenge completed

References

(i) Blackburn, N (i.e. me) (2017) Mondrian Database: Introduction [online]. pmdb.info Available from http://pmdb.info/ [Accessed 7 February 2020].

(ii) Moody, O. (2020) Kraftwerk by Uwe Schütte review — the men‑machines who digitised the dancefloor [online]. thetimes.co.uk. Available from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dc8d2d64-4e79-11ea-b112-75acb94b3417 [Accessed 17 February 2020].

(iii) Merrill, J. (2013) National Gallery unveils ‘uncompromising’ portrait of Tony Blair by Alastair Adams [online]. independent.co.uk. Available from https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/national-gallery-unveils-uncompromising-portrait-of-tony-blair-by-alastair-adams-9018051.html [Accessed 17 February 2020].